The Edina Hip Hop Dance Team held auditions this week for their 2016-2017 team. The HHDT prides themselves on valuing diversity and uniqueness, and they encourage anyone to join regardless of experience. The team performs at all Edina High School pep fests, the EHS multicultural show, Hopkins’ Step it Up show, and other small performances throughout the year. The EHS multicultural show is in April and the Hopkins’ Step it Up show is in February. “I really wanted to try out for the team because it was just a really fun opportunity that I couldn’t miss. My friend and I both went to the two day practice a few days before the audition and got a routine to practice. The whole choreography was harder than what we expected it to be, but it was so much fun to learn.

HHDC seems like a lot of fun and I encourage anyone to audition next year, it’s such a fun environment,” said sophomore Arleth Ulloa after her tryout. Head coach and advisor Ariel Enriquez to learn more about the team. Head coach Ariel Enriquez has been with the team since 2010. She has an impressive career in dance, both competing on and instructing teams throughout her life. She is an accredited 2011 World Champion hip hop dancer, instructor and choreographer. “The Hip Hop Dance Team is comprised of students of all backgrounds and experience. We take everyone from beginners that have never danced to advanced dancers. We always have a very diverse team, and we’re very much like a family,” said Enriquez.

The HHDT is comprised of talented and committed dancers who strive to instill self-confidence, motivation and diversity through their high-energy performances. The HHDT is so close knit that graduates still support their team by coming to performances and making appearances at practices to see how the year is going and help out every once in awhile. “Auditions are going GREAT! We have a really solid group right now. We can tell that everyone is trying their best and really want it.

We have a great mixture of people, including a few boys! We’re very excited to see how auditions go on Thursday,” said Enriquez when describing how auditions were going. “What we look for in potential members is basic ability to count to the music, rhythm and musicality (being able to “feel” the beat).

Another portion of that is overall attitude and the ability to conform with a team. Everyone needs to be able to blend in together, not just look like individuals dancing on a team. We also talk about having a “party on the floor” and making the audience’s eyes dance along with us, making them want to come to our party on the dance floor.

If they have a bad attitude, I doubt they’ll want to come to the party,” said Enriquez when explaining what they are looking for when holding auditions. “You can look forward to awesome themed dances and a new, very strong team! We are SO excited for this year because of all of the awesome talent we are already seeing!” said Enriquez.